Riyad Mahrez and Al Ahli angered by refereeing decisions in Al Feiha draw

Riyad Mahrez and his Al Ahli teammates have expressed strong frustration following a controversial draw against Al Feiha, a result that could impact their position in the title race.

Already trailing Al Nassr, Al Ahli entered the match needing a victory but were forced to settle for a draw in a game overshadowed by disputed refereeing decisions.

The match has since sparked widespread debate in Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding the role of VAR and key moments that went against the visiting side.

Al Ahli began the game strongly, dominating possession and creating chances before taking the lead in the 36th minute.

However, the momentum shifted early in the second half when Al Feiha equalised in the 53rd minute, with Yassine Benzia involved for the hosts.

Despite conceding, Al Ahli continued to control proceedings, launching repeated attacks in search of a winning goal.

Their efforts, however, were repeatedly thwarted, with several contentious decisions adding to their frustration.

During the match, Al Ahli believed they should have been awarded three penalties. The most controversial moment came in the closing stages when a late appeal was rejected despite a VAR review.

The decision prompted immediate protests from players and staff, who felt aggrieved by the outcome.

Mahrez later shared footage of disputed incidents on his Instagram account, highlighting moments that he and his teammates believed had been overlooked. The posts were widely circulated among players and supporters.

Tensions escalated further after the final whistle, with reports of exchanges between Al Ahli players and match officials. Striker Ivan Toney voiced his concerns publicly, stating: “I demand the recordings that show the fourth official told us to concentrate on the Champions League—we want them in their entirety, without any alterations.”

In response, Al Ahli issued an official statement expressing dissatisfaction with the officiating, arguing that key decisions had influenced the result and affected their title ambitions.

The club called for greater transparency, including the release of communication between referees and VAR officials.

The incident has intensified scrutiny on refereeing standards, with Al Ahli urging governing bodies to take steps to ensure fairness and protect the integrity of the competition.